Oklahoma State University Athletics
Rose Upsets Top-400 Player in Kansas City
October 02, 2011 | Cowgirl Tennis
Oct. 2, 2011
KANSAS CITY – For the second time in less than a week, an Oklahoma State Cowgirl tennis player has upset a highly-ranked player in the WTA rankings.
Junior Malika Rose defeated No. 399 Amra Sadikovic of Switzerland Sunday in her first round match of the Qualifying stage for the $50,000 Women's Pro Tennis Classic in Kansas City. Her win comes less than a week after freshman Meghan Blevins defeated No. 412 Alexis King in Amelia Island.
“I am very excited for the results both Meghan and Malika have had the last two weeks at professional events,” coach Chris Young said. “We want our girls to have aspirations to reach the next level, and their success is showing that our staff is helping these girls develop and prepare properly toward that goal.”
Rose now faces Romana Tedjakusuma of Indonesia in the second round. She needs two more victories to secure a spot in the main draw.
“I am proud of Malika for getting the win today,” Young said. “She has been working very hard the last two weeks preparing for this event and working on developing areas of her game that would allow her to be successful. This is another positive step for her in that process.”
Rose received a wild card into the event's qualifying round after winning a wild card tournament in late August. She won four matches at that event without dropping a set and won the final match, 6-1, 6-1.
The Miramar, Fla., finished with a team-best 16-6 singles record in dual play last season and looks to be a key part of the Cowgirls' 2012 spring season.
Other members of the OSU women's tennis team are also in action this week, as Meghan Blevins and Kanyapat Narattana start play Tuesday at the ITA All American Championships at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif. They take on the Tennessee duo of Brynn Boren and Sarah Toti in the first round. Fans can follow live updates at www.itatennis.com.
$50,000 Women's Pro Tennis Classic (Qualifying)
(wc)Malika Rose (OSU/USA) def. (7)Amra Sadikovic (SUI), 6-4, ret.
